Guys (and Gals) Read Sport Pages

Guys Read: The Sports Pages

by Jon Scieszka, Gordon Korman, Chris Rylander, Dan Gutman, Anne Ursu, Tim Green, Joseph Bruchac and Jacqueline Woodson  

Walden Pond Press- Harper Collins

A lineman with something to prove

              A vendetta against a baseball legend

The rise of a real-life NHL all-star

                           The luckiest grapefruit in sports history

Open up The Sports Pages, the third volume in the Guys Read Library of Great Reading, and you're in for all of this and more. From fiction to nonfiction, from baseball to mixed martial arts and everything in between, these are ten stories about the rush of victory and the crush of defeat on and off the field. 

Compiled by kid-lit all-star Jon Scieszka, Guys Read: The Sports Pages is a thrilling collection of brand-new short stories from some of your favorite authors and athletes.

Like Funny Business and Thriller, the first two Guys Read books, The Sports Pages is a collection of ten stories from middle grade fiction writers, along with some exciting guest contributors. This time around, it’s only fitting that some stories come directly from athletes themselves. 

Don't forget, the "Gals" will love this as much as the "Guys."

A great site to get into the game of reading:   http://www.guysread.com/books/

Bigger Than a Breadbox

Bigger Than A Breadbox

By: Laurel Snyder

Random House Inc

Getting what you want when you want it- Wow! This may be everyone's wish. But, even when we are quite young, we find out this isn't reality...but.. what if it really was possible with a few exceptions- the wish made needs to be able to fit in a breadbox.

Bigger than a Breadbox is about a magical antique bread box that grants wishes to a young girl who's life has been turned upside down by her parents' divorce/separation. Rebecca finds this wish maker after being whisked away to her grandma's house after her parents can't seem to figure out how to stay together.

The only positive thing about this separation for Rebecca is the breadbox. After granting her a book in the attic to help her overcome loneliness, many wishes find their into the box: snack cakes, lip gloss, candy and even a cell phone. When the bread box is empty after wishing for what she wants most- her family back together- Rebecca finds her thoughts moving from the material to the emotional list of wishes.

The magic of the breadbox has its limits and consequences just like Rebecca finds that her life has. This book is thought- provoking and brings one to think of their own magic and how one's wishes may or may not be possible or even wise.

A MUST READ for all ages because we all have wishes even if we don't have a breadbox.

The 4th Stall Part II

The Fourth Stall Part II  by: Chris Rylander
Waldon Pond Press

Mac and Vince's business is overflowing!

(Which could be messy in a boys bathroom)

All the normal problems of surviving school and starting 6th grade are being handled by Mac and his guys. They even have a new teacher/baseball coach that likes the Cubs as much as they do.

Then things start going wrong: school lunches that would add calories and fat that even our fast-food restaurants couldn't serve, gym class easy enough for newborns, animal droppings showing up in lockers, and a strange new 8th grade girl, Trixie, that puts everyone in a tizzy. 

Can't get worse? Wrong!

Dr. George is brought in to FIX the problems and to administer the state standardized test that could close down the school not to mention Max's business. 

Can Max figure out how to save the school? 

Will he and Vince make the baseball team? 

Are girls really more dangerous than shotguns? 

Can anyone pass the SMART test?

Read The Forth Stall Part II and enjoy the middle school mystery!

Extra : Top 10 List on Standardized Testing :D

Time To Read NOAHZARC!

NoahZarc: Mammoth Trouble

By:  D. Robert Pease

Published by Walking Stick Books

In this amazing space-age story, we are introduced to Noah Zarc, a twelve-year-old boy living in the future-- and the past. Noah and his family travel through the ages, bringing pairs of animals from the past to their specialized spaceship in preparation for re-inhabiting a post-apocalyptic Earth.  

 It doesn’t take long for the reader to put 1 and 1 together and compare the story to Noah and his family collecting animals 2 by 2 from the Bible.

Noah doesn’t stray away from adventure and excitement and finds himself looking into the face of danger more than once. Noah is a paraplegic but has the futuristic advancements making it possible for him to be a fantastic spaceship pilot and animal handler. We learn quickly that Noah’s disability will not deter him from his duties. His family doesn’t give him a chance to dwell on his disability- it is his abilities that are needed to save the animals and his parents when they are kidnapped, putting the animal mission at risk.

With his mom trapped in thirty-first century Mars and Dad trapped in the Ice Age, Noah and his siblings go into warp speed to save the future (and the past) of Earth. Noah finds an unexpected ally from the Ice Age- a girl that uses her primitive knowledge to track down the kidnapper and win over Noah’s heart.

Noah Zarc is a story that can be read over and over again! The sci-fi aspects will thrill even the most reluctant readers by introducing futuristic adventures that one can only dream about now. Destroying attack robots and testing thermal space suits during solo time travel while being a part of the ARC (Animal Rescue Cruiser) project puts this adventure story at the top of many “to be read” piles in my classroom.  The paradoxes of time travel theory are sidestepped, as the spaceship simply jumps from time period to time period. The pull to read this futuristic story is as powerful as gravity on Earth.

The environmental issues discussed are concerns students face today. The extinction of animals and the destruction of Earth will register as a future possibility by the way humans are choosing to live presently. Animal lovers and earth-wise readers will connect immediately to the ARC mission.

Action, adventure, suspense, mischief and love makes this 

a must read for all ages and interests. 

This is a book I need to buy 2 by 2: I can’t keep the single copy on my shelf! 

 VIEW THIS TRAILER TO GET YOUR FIRST LOOK AT  NOAHZARC

OMS Students: Submit an original book trailer on this book for your book study assignment 

and earn a free personal copy!

Junonia by Kevin Henkes

Junonia by Kevin Henkes

Greenwillow Books (Harper Collins Publishers)

"A junonia shell is a rare and exceptional find- and this novel for young middle grade readers delivers an equally exquisite thrill of discovery."

 Alice Rice is looking forward to her annual family vacation on Sanibel Island, Florida - it will be her 10th birthday and her 10th trip to this beach full of memories. Her first double digit birthday promises to be filled with family, friends and sunshine. That is until her friends, family and even the sunshine leave her feeling alone and sad on her birthday. Change can be both good and bad? Will these unexpected adventures bring the luck that Alice has been wishing for and put the rare junonia shell in her hand?
The beautiful island setting and the waves of a young girl's emotions makes this a must read.

 Kevin shares Junonia in this video

Get Ready to be Blown Away!

Windblowne Review

By Emily D.--- 7th Grade

            Windblowne, an amazing story by Stephen Messer is an exciting, fast paced book about a boy named Oliver who just can’t seem to get a kite to do what he wants. It all takes place in just three or four days in (sort-of) a town named Windblowne and the surrounding areas. It all starts when Oliver’s dad mentions that Oliver’s mom has a crazy expert kite maker for a great-uncle just one day before the annual kite flying contest that Oliver has always hopelessly dreamed about winning. So, Oliver seeks out his great-uncle, only to lose him the same day. Oliver is pulled into an adventure involving alternate worlds and evil twins. Will he be able to survive it all? Read Windblowne, by Stephen Messer to find out.

The Familiars: Three Are Choosen

The Familiars by: Adam Epstein and Andrew Jacobson
www.harpercollinschildrens.com

Secrets of the Crown is book 2 in The Familiars series by Epstein and Jacobson. This amazing fantasy/adventure book continues the quest for three very unlikely heroes to follow as the travel far and beyond to save their world and all those who live in it- animal and human.

Book 2

Book 1

Familiars, animals with special powers, have been partners and companions with their human friends for countless years. Our three prophesied heroes- a telekinetic cat, a spell binding bluejay and a water viewing tree frog have to leave their loyal humans behind while they search for the Crown of the Snow Leopard. Securing the Crown is their only hope in stopping Paksahara, an evil familiar, from destroying all that is dear to them.

Secrets of the Crown takes the reader to new, exciting and dangerous lands, introduces creatures never spoke of before and binds loyalty, friendship and family into an unstoppable force. Readers, be ready for a journey that leaves you with so many unfamiliar tales you can't stop turning pages.

Books one and two have set the stage for an epic clash of two very determined and opposing forces! Book three is sure to provide familiars and human companions a quest to end all evil encounters... or will it be just the beginning of yet another unforgettable adventure?

***Book three is in my Anticipated Book Box where I will wait impatiently for it to materialize.

-Note to readers: The Familiars is going to become an animated film- read it BEFORE you see it!

The Underwear Dare

The Underwear Dare: 5th Grade Couldn't get any Worse!

By: The Nardini Sisters

Sorelle Publishing Inc.

Imagine starting school and finding that you will be in the same class as the bully that has tormented you all through elementary school. Think life couldn't get worse? Think again...your dad has decided to marry his mom, making you roommates both in and out of school!
Eddie and Josh must find a way to survive during this unpleasant turn of events. Creating a series of dares that only boys could come up, the  reader is entertained with a series of embarrassing and gross events.

The Nardini Sisiters have shared a book that is so realistic, you can well, smell the tension. As problems are encountered resolutions are found leaving the reader with a realistic and fun to read story about life's adventures in today's pre-teen world.
       
Guest review by Mrs. Simpson-
This is a book that you should read! It is about normal kids finding themselves in not the best situations. It is interesting to see how they get themselves into and out of the mishaps. This book exceeds the gross factor scale of all books read!

The back cover has a warning label:

"Read only if you can handle being grossed-out by

popping vomit, silent but deadly farts, vibrating burps

and other dares not for the faint of heart!"

Guys Read that will Also "Thrill" Gals

Guys Read Thriller

Edited by J. Scieszka

Harper Collins Children- Walden Pond Press

Stories by M.T. Anderson, Patrick Carman, Gennifer Choldenko,
Matt de la Pena, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Bruce Hale,
Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Anthony Horowitz, Walter Dean Myers,
and James Paterson.  Illustrated by Brett Helquist.

"A body on the tracks

A teenage terrorist

A mysterious wish-granting machine

The world’s worst private detective "

Being released this month is Volume 2 of the Guys Read Library. There couldn't be a better collection of suspenseful short stories today! The mysterious titles give a hint to the characters and mayhem readers will experience. The Old, Dead Nuisance, Thad, the Ghost, and Me, the Snake Mafia, and The Double Eagle Has Landed are a few stories that will keep you reading. Pudding by Krosoczka shares text with art giving a new look to short stories.


One of my favorite reasons I love this series is simple- short stories that can easily be abandoned if not quite what I want to read, with a new set of characters on the next page.

Just so there is full disclosure, this anthology has a female author, Margaret Peterson Haddix and you may even read about a girl or two in the stories. I know that boys will love this book, but girls will be reading and enjoying this as much as they devoured the 1st book of Guys Read: Funny Business.

A great site to find more guy reads choices: http://www.guysread.com/books/ 

Warrior Sheep Go West

The Warrior Sheep Go West 
by: C and C Russell 
Sourcebooks Publishing


The rare breed warriors are back with a quest that will take them from England, over the Atlantic Ocean and into the hot Arizona desert in the USA.
After seeing a pop up message on the laptop playing music in their barn, the warriors are sure that "Red Tongue" is out to destroy every ram, ewe and lamb in the world. This was declared as truth in the Songs of Fleece Prophecy hundreds of years ago.
Following the prophecies directions to "Go West" Wills and friends end up in Las Vegas.  Will they be able to stop the "Red Tongue" monster before it is too late? 
Travel along with the rare breeds and enjoy a mystery that is full of fun and silliness.

Hailey Twitch Is Not a Snitch by: Lauren Barnholdt

Hailey Twitch Is Not a Snitch by: Lauren Barnholdt

Sourcebooks Publishing

This fun series featuring Hailey Twitch is an amusing adventure of a seven year old and her new found fairy friend, Maybelle. Hailey has to keep her friendship a secret -after all, who would believe a fairy was causing all the trouble that Hailey finds herself in?

When they leave on a camping trip, the mischievous fairy magic creates mishaps once again. Hailey is just trying to have fun, but other people and things get in her way. Poison Ivy, green hair and boys all mixed together with ooey-gooey marshmallows makes the weekend one to share and laugh aloud.

Go Baby Go!

Go Baby Go! By: Marilyn Janovitz
Sourcebooks Publishing

A board book that will keep you singing and smiling long after the pages are done.

Baby's jumping high

Baby's bouncing low

Baby's flying in the air

Go Go Go! 

 

The illustrations are colorful and lively as the baby and pets go through a fun filled day! Perfect to share anytime and anywhere you want to smile.

"The Ultimate" Book Review!

The Ultimate Top Secret Guide to Taking Over the World
Story by Kenn Nesbit
Illustrations by Ethan Long
Sourcebooks Jaberwocky  www.jabberwockykids.com

It will be my goal to make this book the ultimate "Everyone Knows About This Book" by the end of our new school year. Kenn and Ethan have given us a book that will change what we learn -How to Rule the World or nouns and verbs, long division and the capitols of Asia? When students have the opportunity to RULE THE WORLD I think I know what they will choose!

So, get ready for a year you will always remember.

If you don't happen to be in our class, I'm really sorry!

You can always get your own copy of the book and try to keep up with us as we seek and conquer and laugh! "Mwwhaharaha"

Kenn says it best at the beginning of the book...

"...by the time you’re done reading, and rereading, and heck, let’s just say devouring this wonderfully clever book (and telling all your friends and buying lots of extra copies), you will have learned everything you need to know to have entire countries simultaneously groveling at your feet, chewing on their fingernails, and quaking in their baby booties. Seriously. You’re going to learn all sorts of important stuff, including how to:
- Become a genius overnight -
-Think up your new Mad Scientist name
- Equip your underground lair
- Build evil robots
- Stop time for fun and profit
- Dress for conquest
- Clone mutant monsters
- Recruit minions
- Construct doomsday devices
- Defeat secret agents
- Perfect your diabolical laugh
- Choose your Mad Scientist theme song
- Spend your first billion dollars
- Do some other junk
Doesn’t that sound insanely fantastic? Of course it does. That’s why I wrote this book."

 School starts soon and the world will be yours!
Makes you want to come to school early doesn't it?

Elliot - "A Likeable Hero"

Elliot and the Goblin War and Elliot and the Pixie Plot
Jennifer Nielsen author
Gideon Kendall illustrator
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky www.jabberwockykids.com

Goblin War: Minding his own business and trying to stay away from neighborhood bullies, Elliot finds himself being offered the honor of being King of the Brownies. Patches, a Brownie running for her life on Halloween night, is saved when Elliot scares away the Goblins that are trying to steal her pickles. Of course, Elliot just sees kids dressed in their Halloween costumes- not REAL Underworld creatures. Patches shares with all the Brownies how Elliot is a hero and he is rewarded after Queen Bibsy's spleen dies. Not everyone approves of Elliot- a human becoming King so the adventure begins...Goblins, pickles, Brownies, Turnip juice, humans, carrots, chocolate cake and explosions. Enjoy the adventure and humor as both Jennifer and Gideon take you Underground with a POOF!

Pixie Dust: Elliot barely has time to see his house rebuilt and the Underworld needs him. Above ground, he is busy creating a science project with a bossy girl and being "friends" with the bully that he taught how to be nice in The Goblin War. The bully, Tubs, and Elliot are kidnapped by Pixies and held in an Underground prison. Elliot is caught in the middle of a turf war- release the Goblin King from prison or DIE.. Elliot escape path is so full of twists and turns, he may as well be on a roller-coaster from your worst nightmare! When he accidentally awakens Kovol the Demon, who now plans to destroy the human race, his problems really get BIG! Don't stop reading, you need to know if Elliot's science project gets finished, if Tubs returns back to normal, and if the human race, Brownies, Pixies, Goblins, Fairies can all get along.

The Fourth Stall

The Fourth Stall
Chris Rylander
Walden Pond Press www.harpercollinschildrens.com
 

Horrid Henry Rocks

Horrid Henry Rocks by Francesca Simmon
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

http://www.jabberwockykids.com/

"From the desk of Horrid Henry

There aren't any cute fairies in my book and no magic wizards either. but if you want to see someone cause a lot of trouble, I'M THE BEST!  -Horrid Henry"

Pick up this book and read four fast and fantastic stories about Horrid Henry, Perfect Peter, Moody Margret, Sour Susan, Vain Violet and more.

Spy sleepovers, bedroom invasions, daisy and rat concerts and creative autobiography writing finds Henry getting into more trouble then most middle schoolars could think of. Enjoy the rewards without the punishment!

The Pony Whisperer: Secret Pony Society

The Pony Whisperer: Secret Pony Society
written by Janet Rising
Sourcebooks Jaberwocky Publishing

Pia and Drummer are back with more adventure. This time, they aren't "horsing around". A traveling secret society group decides to camp near Laurel Stables. Everyone at the stable is concerned about the safety of their horses and belongings. After Pia meets one of the girls in the society, Jazz, a horse connection is made.  Jazz, who seems to have some real pony-whispering powers herself, asks Pia to protect her and her pony from her violent father. "When Jazz and her pony become runaways, should Pia help the girl and risk her new friendships at the stables?"
Read this latest adventure in The Pony Whisperer series to find out.

Magickeepers Three: Give Away & Review

The Chalice of Immortality: Book Three
Written by Erica Kirov. http://www.magickeepers.com/
Sourcebooks Jaberwocky Publishing
This amazing and magical Magickeepers adventure series just keeps getting better! Harry Houdini, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Amelia Earhart are just a few of my favorite historical individuals that play a part in protecting the chalice of immortality. Nick and his family continue in their quest of protecting all that is magical and keeping the relics safely out of unknowing hands. The Rostov family must combine their knowledge, power and loyalty to save Nick's father. Through stories, legends and trips, the chalice is found- how Nick will use it is the mystery all are waiting to see. If you haven't read the 1st two books in the series, here is your chance! The Eternal Hourglass and The Pyramid of Souls along with The Chalice of Immortality are available for a lucky middle school student. Send me an email or leave a comment by August 1st sharing your favorite summer book to win this magical set.

Stupid Fast is a Smart Read

                                       Stupid Fast
                                                           by Geoff Herbach
Sourcebooks Fire Publishing

The Summer I Went From a Joke to a Jock

Getting to know Felton Reinstein is easy. He is like most teen boys- easily embarrassed, often confused and curious about almost everything- especially girls. Felton's life is changing fast at the same time that he is stuck in a time warp of disturbing memories.

The chapter titles tell the story better than I can:

 2- My Body Grew Hair.

9- Things Began To Change Suddenly At The Pool
13- It Is 2:35 A. M.
20- I Really Didn't Know What To Do
25: What Seems To Be The Problem, Officer?
34- I Had To Be A Barbarian
39: Tired Barbarian
52: I Can Juggle Clean Sock Balls
62: Sweetness

Football, Friends, Family -- a fantastic book for teens moving fast or slow!

Who What Wear

Who What Wear by Olivia Bennett
The Allegra Biscotti Collection
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky Publishing

Fashion Emergency! Is there anyone out there that hasn't had one? Emma Rose secretly answers the 911 calls as a new international,in-demand fashion designer. Since the world of fashion isn't ready for a middle school designer deva, Emma must work under a false identity- Allegra. Keeping this secret from her best friend may cost her their friendship- sharing her secret could cost her the opportunity of a life time. Emma's worlds collide when she is asked to design a gown for the middle school social event of the year. Find out how Emma/ Allegra designs her new identity to fit into her wardrobe world.